Clayton County School Board members have reacted with sadness to the sudden and, for most, the surprising resignation last Wednesday of Clayton County School Superintendent Edmond Heatley, Ed.D.

Heatley, who has served in the position since May of 2009 and played a leading role in the Clayton County School District regaining its full accreditation with the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools after losing it the year before, tendered his resignation to Clayton County School Board Chairman Pam Adamson, Ed.D.

His resignation is effective Sept. 30.

Adamson emphasized that the school board did not ask, or in any way pressure, Heatley to resign and the decision to do so was strictly his own.

“There were never any discussions on the board concerning Dr. Heatley resigning as superintendent,” Adamson said.

As of Friday, Heatley had made no public comment on his resignation or future plans.

In a prepared statement regarding Heatley’s resignation, David Waller of the communications department of Clayton County Public Schools, said the school board will, during the next few weeks, appoint an interim superintendent so that individual could assume that position immediately upon Heatley’s scheduled departure.

“The board will then begin the process of finding a new superintendent for Clayton County Public Schools, the fifth-largest school system in Georgia,” Waller said.

Adamson added that with the 2012-2013 school year having just begun, “our primary focus will remain providing the students of Clayton County with a high quality education during this transition.”

“We are grateful to Dr. Heatley for his service and wish him the best,” Adamson said.

“Dr. Heatley felt he had accomplished what he set out to do as superintendent of Clayton County Public Schools and had found a place that he could make a contribution,” she added.

Clayton County School Board member Jessie Goree said, however, that she was not surprised with Heatley’s resignation, saying she found out he was seeking another position out of state and had already accepted a position.

“I wish Dr. Heatley the best and hope he is successful in his future plans,” she said.

Board member Mary Baker said, however, that she was taken by surprise with the superintendent’s resignation.

“I am very grateful to him as Dr. Heatley was here helping the county regain its SACS accreditation,” she said.

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